Wall Barley (Foxtail Grass)

Foxtail barley is a short lived native perennial cool season bunchgrass that germinates through winter and develops in the spring. Quite widespread and common around Wheeler County, the bearded green flower heads look soft, however, the burs are clingy and spread easily. Seed heads can get caught up in a dogs ear, fur and paws, and cause problems in the mouths of livestock. This grass can be grazed down before seed heads appear or mowed to keep seed heads from forming. It inhabits both dry and wet areas and can be drought tolerant. Found in arid grasslands, pastures, rangelands, alkaline conditions, roadsides, around buildings, and wet or moist areas like irrigation ditches. Most effective and sustainable strategy for eliminating barley grass is to ensure there is strong competition from other types of grasses, as well as preventing overgrazing since it likes bares patches through-out pastures.

If treating with a chemical method, the most effective herbicide will be glyphosate (round-up). Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide and will kill everything. You can spray the topping of the grass using a lower than usual concentration to severely wound the grass and prevent it from forming proper seeds. You can spot spray for smaller infestations. For larger pastures if you apply herbicide in the spring then you can re-seed in the fall with the right amount of timing. A selective herbicide will not do much on Foxtail barley.

Wheeler SWCD regularly stocks various Glyphosate products for purchase. Contact the office for inventory and pricing details!